Seattle

Clint Dempsey sidelined, will not play for USMNT due to irregular heartbeat

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:43 p.m. ET

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Ryan Rosenblatt

Clint Dempsey is being evaluated by doctors for an irregular heartbeat. The Seattle Sounders released a statement about their star's condition and status, confirming that he would not be available for Sunday's clash against the Portland Timbers.

The Sounders did not release any additional information. The severity of his condition and potential ramifications are still unclear, as is a possible return date.

In addition to his absence from the Sounders, Dempsey will also miss the United States' upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The U.S. will take on St. Vincent and the Grenadines on September 2 and Trinidad and Tobago on September 6. They need results from those matches to finish in the top two of their group in the semifinal round of World Cup qualifying and advance to the final round as they try to book their spot for Russia 2018.

Dempsey has eight goals for the Sounders this season and has been key to their recent turnaround. He scored twice in last week's win over the Timbers and registered a hat trick at the start of the month as Seattle took down Orlando. The forward did not play in the Sounders' 1-1 draw with the Dynamo on Wednesday.

The Sounders are currently riding a five-match unbeaten streak, which has taken them from near the bottom of the Western Conference right back into the playoff hunt. They are in eight place, but just one point behind Portland for the final playoff spot with a match in hand.

Updated 3:06 p.m. with news from U.S. Soccer

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